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Bryce Canyon National Park Travel Guide and Things to Do
Top Things to Do in Bryce Canyon
Visitors searching for the best things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park will discover one of the most unique landscapes in the United States. Located in southern Utah, Bryce Canyon is famous for its thousands of colorful rock spires known as bryce canyon hoodoos, which create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape.
Here are some of the top things to do in Bryce Canyon National Park:
• See Sunrise at Bryce Amphitheater
One of the most iconic views in the park, where hoodoos glow orange and red in the morning light.
• Hike the Navajo Loop Trail
One of the most popular bryce canyon hikes, taking visitors down into the hoodoos.
• Walk the Rim Trail
A scenic trail that connects major viewpoints along the canyon rim.
• Visit Inspiration Point and Bryce Point
Two of the best overlooks for panoramic views of the hoodoos.
• Explore Queen’s Garden Trail
A relatively easy hike that leads into the canyon among the rock formations.
• Drive the Bryce Canyon Scenic Drive
Stops include Rainbow Point, Natural Bridge, and multiple overlooks.
Because of its compact layout and incredible viewpoints, Bryce Canyon is one of the easiest national parks to explore in a short visit.
One of the best ways to experience Bryce Canyon is through a self-guided driving tour that follows the park’s scenic road and highlights key viewpoints, trails, and geological features.
Bryce Canyon Scenic Driving Tour
This GPS-guided driving tour takes visitors through Bryce Canyon National Park while sharing stories about the park’s geology, history, and unique landscape.
Highlights of the tour include:
The famous Bryce Canyon hoodoos and how they formed
Scenic overlooks like Sunrise Point, Sunset Point, and Bryce Point
Stories about early explorers and how the park was established
The park’s unique elevation and climate that shape the landscape
As you drive, the tour automatically plays based on your location, helping you understand what you’re seeing without needing a guide.
Because it’s self-guided, you can:
stop at viewpoints
hike trails along the way
explore at your own pace
This is one of the easiest ways to see the entire park in a single day.
Scenic Byway 12 Driving Tour
What's Free and What has a Fee
Bryce Canyon offers a mix of free scenic areas and paid park access. To note, when I visited, the ticket was $30. If you visit a lot of parks, get the America the Beautiful pass, it's $80, and well worth it for the car alone.
Free Things to Do
• Scenic viewpoints outside the park. There are a few turnoffs before you enter.
• Photography stops along nearby highways
• Driving between Zion to Bryce Canyon, one of the most scenic routes in Utah
Attractions With Fees
Inside the park, an entrance fee is required.
Paid experiences include:
• Access to all bryce canyon trails
• Visitor centers and park facilities
• Scenic drive and viewpoints
• Ranger programs and guided activities
The entrance fee provides access to all major attractions inside Bryce Canyon National Park.
How to Get Here
Bryce Canyon is located in southern Utah and is often visited as part of a Southwest road trip.
By Air
Closest airports:
• Cedar City Regional Airport — about 1.5 hours
• Las Vegas (LAS) — about 4 hours
• Salt Lake City (SLC) — about 4 hours
By Car
Driving is the most common way to visit.
Popular route:
• Zion to Bryce Canyon — about 2 hours
This drive is one of the most scenic in Utah and is often included in national park road trips.
Getting Around
The park is best explored by:
• car (scenic drive)
• shuttle (seasonal)
• hiking trails
Bryce Canyon Map & Layout
Visitors often search for a Bryce Canyon map to understand how the park is laid out.
The park is organized around a central scenic road with multiple viewpoints and trailheads.
Key areas include:
• Bryce Amphitheater (main hoodoo area)
• Sunrise Point & Sunset Point
• Inspiration Point
• Bryce Point
• Rainbow Point (southern end of the park)
Most visitors start near the visitor center and work their way south along the scenic drive.
Where to Stay
Hotels Near Bryce Canyon
Typical price range: $150–$300 per night
• The Lodge at Bryce Canyon – Located inside the park
• Best Western Plus Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel
• Bryce Canyon Lodge Cabins
These provide the closest access to the park.
Hotels in Bryce Canyon City
Typical price range: $130–$250 per night
• Ruby’s Inn – Most popular lodging near the park
• Best Western Plus Ruby’s Inn
• Bryce View Lodge
These are located just outside the park entrance.
Budget Hotels Nearby
Typical price range: $80–$140 per night
• Quality Inn Bryce Canyon (Panguitch)
• Panguitch Inn Motel
• Days Inn by Wyndham Panguitch
Located about 20–30 minutes away.
When to Visit
Bryce Canyon can be visited year-round.
Spring
• mild temperatures
• fewer crowds
Summer
• busiest season
• best access to all trails
Fall
• cooler weather
• excellent photography conditions
Winter
• snow-covered hoodoos
• fewer visitors
How Much Time You'll Need
One Day Bryce Canyon Itinerary
Many visitors follow one-day Bryce Canyon itineraries. Overall, it's not a huge park. If you take longer hikes, you could stay here for days. But the main big sites and overlooks are right off of our driving tour. You could see most of the sites in a few hours. But a whole day is suggested. I'd suggest (that's me, Greg!) the below:
Morning
• Sunrise at Bryce Amphitheater
• Visit Sunrise Point & Sunset Point
Afternoon
• Hike the Navajo Loop Trail
• Explore Queen’s Garden Trail
Evening
• Scenic drive to Rainbow Point
• Sunset views
If you wanted to spend the first part of the day here, then take scenic byway 12 up to Capitol Reef, that's alog a great option.
Two Day Bryce Canyon Itineraries
With more time, you'll see more and be relax, if you have the time, spend 2. This place is amazing.
• explore additional bryce canyon trails
• hike longer routes. Go for the Bristlecone Loop trail. This is amazing, and some of the bristlecone pines are over 1000 years old. They can grow 1 ince a century! Totally worth the hike.
Bryce Canyon is famous for its hiking opportunities.
Popular bryce canyon hikes include:
• Navajo Loop Trail – most famous hike
• Bristlecone Loop trail - It's at the last stop on the road, and the bristlecones are special to say the least.
• Queen’s Garden Trail – easier option
• Peekaboo Loop Trail – longer and more challenging
• Rim Trail – scenic and accessible
These bryce canyon trails allow visitors to walk among the hoodoos and experience the park up close.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bryce Canyon hoodoos?
Hoodoos are tall, thin rock spires formed by erosion. Bryce Canyon has the largest concentration of hoodoos in the world.
What are the best Bryce Canyon hikes?
The Navajo Loop and Queen’s Garden Trail are the most popular hikes.
How far is Zion to Bryce Canyon?
The drive takes about 2 hours and is one of the most scenic routes in Utah.
Do you need a map of Bryce Canyon?
Yes. A Bryce Canyon map helps visitors navigate the scenic drive, trails, and viewpoints.
Have questions? Email me at greg@gregsdrivingtours.com. I'd be happy to help out with any questions. I love this park!